Thursday, September 18, 2014

Blog Tour: Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin

Goodreads Summary
Born a slave and outcast, the young healer Emi discovers an ancient disease spreading among her people. Desperate, she races to the Capital for a cure and unwittingly finds herself in a competition to win over the Crown Prince’s heart. Staying in the game provides time to search for a cure, but it may cost Emi her life—or her heart.

My Review

Star of Deliverance takes place in Deshan, where Emi is a Savian in a world full of Brockans. Her people are slaves and outcasts, looked down upon, and in grave danger. When Emi, a healer, has the courage and determination to travel to the capital for the cure of a deadly disease, her life turns upside down. Pulled into the midst of a competition to win Prince Corban heart, Emi will discover who she truly is, what it means to be Savian, meets new friends, and in the process she'll lose her heart one way or another.

Star of Deliverance was a great book loosely based on Queen Esther (pretty awesome)! It was so unique, with lots of twists, turns, and details, it captured my interest, making it hard to put down!

The world building - As soon as I started reading I stepped into Deshan, imagining what it would be like to live in Emi's position - a Savian with threats all around, a healer with people suffering and no cure in sight. What would I do?

Well, Emi handled it in the only way she knew how! I loved her courage, determination, wit, strength, fortitude, kindness, selflessness, love for her people and country, etc. It took a lot of all of these things to do everything she did! While missing Cen, the healer who raised her becoming her mentor and father figure, and the rest of her village, while keeping her true identity hidden at the palace, making both friends and enemies, and capturing the Prince's heart, not to mention saving her people, all of Emi's characteristics shine through like a star. I rooted for her all the way! Her worries, fears, struggles, and feelings became my own.

Then there was Prince Corban. He singled Emi out almost immediately, falling for her and her alone. What would he do if he found out that Emi isn't who she says she is? Will he ever be able to step out of his naive shell and see the kingdom for what it really is, what's really happening to it? I can't tell you, you must read the book! I did admire him as well, though, especially at the end! They both took risks.

Cen was also an exceptional character - brave,kind, and selfless, he taught Emi well - , along with, Maddock, Kirt, Hendrik, and Jessra. All of them loyal to Emi through everything. Cen, ever since birth, the others from the time she entered the palace. Love, friendship, loyalty, and trust played prominent roles throughout the book.

Then there was the healing, horse riding, self defense lessons, mean girls, balls, hunts, races, secret meetings, treason, saving the Prince, escaping and outwitting soldiers, etc., that all added to the richness and excitement of the book and Emi's character development.

There was mystery. The evil villain, calculating and cold, with the desire to kill all Savians. He was despicable. Could Emi figure out his plan and a way to stop it to save everyone? Would she be in time?

There was so much emotion, adventure, beautiful writing, wonderful messages, and awesomeness! I could go on and on about this book, but I think it would be best if you just read it yourself! I'm sure it's light will shine bright for you too!

I received a free copy if this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.